What does Luke 4:10 mean?

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: Luke 4:10

Explanation

Luke 4:10 is a part of the narrative where Jesus is being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. The verse is actually a quote from Psalm 91:11-12, which the devil uses to challenge Jesus to prove His trust in God’s protection. In the verse, the idea is presented that angels are given a directive by God to watch over and protect the righteous. Literally, it suggests divine beings or messengers (“angels”) who are assigned to guard a person (“thee”), ensuring their safety.

On a deeper level, the verse speaks to the concept of divine providence and care. It implies that those who are in relationship with God have a special assurance that they are not alone and have heavenly beings designated to keep them from harm. This promise of protection, however, is not a license for recklessness or testing God but an assurance for those who are in the midst of living according to God’s will.

Historical Context

Luke’s Gospel was written to provide an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, mainly for a Gentile audience. Luke 4:10 falls within the account of Jesus’ temptation, which occurs right after His baptism and before the start of His public ministry.

Historically, the practice of tempting or testing significant figures by challenging them to demonstrate their divine appointment or favor was not unusual in ancient narratives. The wilderness, where this took place, is symbolically associated with trials, purification, and spiritual encounters.

In this context, the devil is attempting to convince Jesus to doubt God’s care and provision for Him. By misquoting Psalm 91, the devil is using Scripture out of its intended context to manipulate Jesus, a tactic that might reflect common misuse of sacred texts for personal gain or manipulation observed in the culture of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Luke 4:10 can be seen as demonstrating several key points:

• Divine Protection: The verse emphasizes God’s promise to protect those who are faithful to Him. Christian theology often sees such protection as not just physical but more critically spiritual.

• Angels as Servants: Angels are viewed as messengers and servants of God who minister to believers.

• Temptation and Misuse of Scripture: The use of this verse by the devil in the temptation narrative reveals that scripture can be twisted for evil purposes, underscoring the need for proper interpretation and understanding of the Bible.

• Jesus’ Righteousness: Jesus’ rebuttal to the devil’s misuse of this verse demonstrates His perfect understanding of Scripture and His unwavering commitment to rely on God’s word.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, Luke 4:10 can inspire several practical applications:

• Trust in God: Believers can take comfort in the truth that God is watching over them and that they are not facing life’s challenges alone.

• Avoiding Temptation: This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of using Scripture correctly and not for selfish purposes or putting God to the test.

• Spiritual Vigilance: It encourages believers to be vigilant about the way they use and interpret Scripture, recognizing that it can be misused to justify wrongful acts.

Cross-References

• Psalm 91:11-12: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
• Matthew 4:6: “[The devil] saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the phrase “ἐντελεῖται … τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ περὶ σοῦ” which translates to “He shall give his angels charge concerning thee”. The term “ἐντελεῖται” (enteleitai) comes from “ἐντέλλομαι” (entellomai), which means to order or command, indicating God’s sovereign directive to the angels. The word “ἀγγέλοις” (angelois) refers to “angels”, used here and throughout the New Testament to denote divine messengers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Jewish tradition, the concept of supernatural beings protecting humans was common. The guardian angel concept is also found in other religions and spiritual beliefs, where such beings guide and protect individuals.

Scientific Perspectives

The idea of angelic beings does not have a scientific basis as it falls within the realm of spiritual belief. From a psychological perspective, belief in divine protection can provide emotional comfort and decrease anxiety.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Luke 4:10. Some suggest that the devil’s misapplication of the verse serves to show the craftiness of temptation. Others focus on the nature of Jesus’ rebuttal, which they see as an example of how to handle scriptural misquotation. Many commentaries also examine the role of angels in the divine economy, understanding them as ministers to God’s people in times of need. The consensus among many Christian commentators is that the spiritual protection promised in this verse does not preclude physical or emotional suffering but rather secures the ultimate spiritual well-being of believers.